Admission requirements
Admission requirements and any restrictions.
Description
How is Japan governed? What are the domestic political and economic processes that have shaped its postwar development, and how are these changing? How does its position in East Asia, its constitutional commitment to pacifism, issues of war memory, and its alliance with the world’s largest military power affect its domestic politics and foreign affairs? This course will examine events and issues crucial to understanding the politics, economics, and international relations of Japan from a number of perspectives. The course is divided into four main sections. The first deals with domestic politics and the political system. The second deals with domestic economic development and current changes to economic policy. The third deals with Japan’s international diplomacy and security relations, and the fourth deals with Japan’s international economic ties and institution building. Towards the end of the semester we intend to host a guest from the Embassy of Japan, who will discuss relations between the Netherlands and Japan, and Japan’s broader diplomatic position.
Course objectives
1.To develop an understanding of the politics, economics, and international relations of Japan.
2. To enhance critical writing and presentation skills through written assignments and class discussion
Timetable
See timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lectures and Seminars.
Course Load
Students will usually need to read two academic journal articles per lesson. Seminars consist of both lecture type instruction and discussion. There will be 13 lectures in all. Students will have to do necessary research to complete two 2000 word essays. Aside from attending the lectures, students should take their own initiative in managing their time to achieve these goals.
Assessment method
Two 2000 word essays. The essays are worth 50 percent each.
Blackboard
Students will have access to powerpoints and the syllabus through blackboard. The readings will not be placed on blackboard. The students will have to find these in the academic databases themselves. See for more info Blackboard.
Reading list
The booktitles and / or syllabi to be used in the course, where it can be purchased and how this literature should be studied beforehand.
Registration
Registration through uSis. Not registered, means no permission to attend this course. See also the ‘Registrationprocedures for classes and examinations’ for registration deadlines and more information on how to register
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration Studeren à la carte via: <www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/onderwijs/alacarte>
Registration Contractonderwijs via: http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/onderwijs/contractonderwijs/
Contact
Course coordinators:
Dr. Saori Shibata
Dr. Bryce Wakefield
Meetings by appointment or during office hours listed in the syllabus.